Beginning December 19, 2010, new motors will be required to have higher efficiency levels than previously allowed. That’s the implementation date for certain requirements of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Focused on increasing energy efficiency and the availability of renewable energy, the Act contains these key provisions:
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE): sets a target of 35 mpg for cars and light trucks by model year 2020.- Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS): sets a modified standard that starts at 9.0 billion gal in 2008 and rises to 36 billion gal by 2022.
- Energy Efficiency Equipment Standards: new standards for lighting and for residential and commercial appliance equipment including residential refrigerators, freezers, refrigerator-freezers, metal halide lamps, and commercial walk-in coolers and freezers.
- Repeal of Oil and Gas Tax Incentives: repeal of two tax subsidies in order to offset the estimated cost to implement the CAFE provision.
Although there are some exceptions, highlights of the new efficiency requirements for motors are as follows:
- General purpose motors that today meet EPACT levels will need to meet premium efficiency levels in 2010.
- General purpose motors that were exempt from EPACT because of voltage, mounting, etc. will need to meet EPACT in 2010.
- Motors that cannot be used in most applications such as special shafts, blowers or non-standard frequencies are exempt from any regulations for efficiencies.
Leeson Electric is looking ahead with a variety of energy-efficient solutions including motors, gear reducers and drives including:
- Wattsaver® premium efficient motors ranging from 1 HP through 200 hp
- Severe-duty IEEE 841 motors through 100 hp
- AC inverters through 150 hp
- High efficiency gear reducers up to 125 hp.
More details are available at Leeson’s website. And for more information about current developments in energy efficiency, including the American Clean Energy and Security Act currently making its way through Congress, check in with NEMA.